Gemotions

The persistent drumming from next door felt like a physical blow. Amelia slammed the book shut, the sound echoing in the silent room. She'd been trying to read, to escape for a little while, but the incessant rhythm was driving her insane. She had a headache.

She glared at the wall, imagining the source of the noise: a teenager, probably, lost in his world. She imagined a smug, dismissive gaze. She wanted to scream at someone.

She stood up abruptly, her movements jerky and sharp. She had to get away. She grabbed her keys and left, the slamming door a final, frustrated punctuation mark to her day.